The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded 33 preliminary engineering Bridge Improvement Grants (BIG) totaling approximately $1.42 million at a recent meeting in Pierre.
Thirty-nine applications totaling $1.95 million in total costs were received by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT). Three cities submitted three applications and 15 counties submitted 36 applications, according to a press release.
BIG grant recipients include Aurora County (3), Beadle County (2), city of Blunt, city of Box Elder, Brookings County (4), Butte County (2), Charles Mix County, Codington County, Davison County (3), Grant County (2), Hamlin County, Hanson County (2), Lake County, Minnehaha County (2), city of Rapid City, Roberts County, Sully County, and Union County (4).
Local governments are required to pay a minimum of 20% matching funds and have three years to expend the grant. Counties must have a wheel tax and a five-year Highway and Bridge Improvement Plan to receive a grant.
The BIG program was created in 2015 and sets aside $7 million per year from funds generated by license plate fees to be used to repair and replace aging local bridges. SDDOT adds an additional $8 million annually, making $15 million available.
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SOURCE: South Dakota DOT
